With just 12 days before he’s scheduled to leave office, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on Thursday (Jan. 8) restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools. The new law will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
“With today’s bill signing, we are ensuring New Jersey schools are a place for learning and engagement, not distracting screens that detract from academic performance. In schools across our state, from Ramsey to Woodbury, we have seen the positive impact of phone-free policies,” said Murphy, announcing the news at Ramsey High School, where he signed the legislation.
Ramsey High School implement a cellphone ban last year and within four months, nearly 80% of teachers said students were more engaged in class and a majority of the faculty observed greater student-to-student interaction, per reports.
“Teachers report that students are more focused, less anxious, and they are socializing and laughing with each other — not through a screen — but in hallways and classrooms. By getting rid of needless distractions, we are fundamentally changing our schools’ learning environments and encouraging our children to be more attentive and engaged during the school day. This is a sensible policy that will make a world of difference for our children,” Murphy added.
Murphy has served as governor of the state since 2018 and is transitioning power to governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, effective Jan 20. He will deliver his last State-of-the-State address on Wednesday, Jan. 14. New Jersey governors are limited to two consecutive terms but can run again non-consecutively.
Cell Phone Ban Legislation
The new law requires the Commissioner of Education to publish guidelines that local boards of education can use to issue policies prohibiting cell phone use during school hours. The ban extends to school events and on buses. The policy will include emergency procedures.
The state Department of Education (DOE) is also reviewing its previously published Guidance for Schools on Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices and expects to have updated guidelines later this month, according to a statement from the governor’s office. The updated guidelines will outline best practices for secure storage, staff training, and equitable enforcement for noncompliance.
“I applaud the Governor for taking a big step to protect our kids by making schools a safe, phone-free place to learn. Our young people are facing a mental health crisis — but, we all know that when children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve,” said Sherrill.
She added that she will implement the legislation and hold “Big Tech accountable for the content they push toward our kids.”
Research Supports Framework
The DOE took steps last month to lay the groundwork for districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies. Under the state’s Phone-Free Schools Grant Program, 86 school districts were awarded grants last month. A list of awardees can be found here.
This program, funded with a $3 million appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, supports schools committed to implementing bell-to-bell cell phone bans in purchasing equipment like pouches or funding training or engagement sessions, according to the Murphy administration.
Sponsors of the legislation (S3695/A4882) include Senators Paul Moriarty and Kristin Corrado, along with Assembly Members Rosy Bagolie, Cody Miller, and Carmen Theresa Morales.
Learning-Focsued Policy
The New Jersey Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents released its full report titled “Growing Up Online” last month, which details the harms of excessive cellphone and social media use. After a year of research, the final report directs parents, policymakers and education officials as to how they can improve the relationship between young people and social media.
“As a career educator I understand that technology plays a role in education, but that it should not be allowed to get in the way of engaged learning. Giving students a break from their phones will improve their mental health and create stronger classroom communities. That’s a win for everyone,” said NJEA President Steve Beatty.
Aside from Ramsey, Montclair, South Plainfield, Jersey City are among 16 schools in New Jersey with cell phones bans in place prioir to the new legislation. In 2023, Florida was the first state to pass a law regulating the use of cellphones in schools. Approximately 19 states and D.C. have “bell-to-bell” bans
In a July survey by Pew Research Center, 74% of U.S. adults said they would support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class.
“The New Jersey Library Association commends Governor Murphy and the Legislature for advancing policies that keep student learning at the center of how technology is used in New Jersey’s public schools,” said Lorraine Ruiz, President, New Jersey Library Association.
“By guiding districts to develop age-appropriate, research-informed expectations for when and how students use internet-enabled devices during the school day, this legislation helps ensure that digital tools support focus, deepen engagement with instruction, and expand access to high-quality learning resources. Librarians play a vital role in this effort by helping students navigate information online, integrate technology into their coursework thoughtfully, and build the critical thinking and digital literacy skills they need to thrive as lifelong learners,” Ruiz said.
